Web browsers installed at NTNU

A web browser is an application that enables the user to read and interact with documents published online. There are several different types of web browser available, all with some different features which make them unique.

Web browsers and computer labs at NTNU

Most programs installed on NTNU's general computer labs cannot be un-installed and new programs cannot be installed. So this article presents those that are already installed.

Internet Explorer (IE)

Internet Explorer is a web browser that has been around for a while and are included in all Windows operating systems. It is the most widely used web browser and is pretty straight-forward for most people.

• For more information on Microsoft's Internet Explorer, please visit their homepage.

Pros and cons

• Microsoft's Internet Explorer is probably the most used web browser, which means that if you have a question concerning IE, it is easy to find an answer as someone probably has asked about it before.
• A lot of Microsoft's applications have IE as their default web browser when first installed.
• Most web pages are supported by IE. Some Internet banks will not work with other web browsers.

• Unfortunately, because it is so widely used it is also the web browser for which most viruses/spyware/adware are made.
• There is limited possibility for personalizing.

Opera

Opera is a free Norwegian-made web browser and can be found at their homepage.

Pros and cons

• Opera is more advanced and has more functions than IE.
• It is not as widely used as IE and therefore there are not that many harmful applications/viruses/spyware/hardware for it.
• Might seem a bit complicated for users who have not used it before, but their homepage provides good tutorials.

Firefox

Firefox is another free web browser with open source software. So anyone can make adjustments and improvement or plug-ins. You can download Firefox at this page.

Pros and cons

• Security problems are caught and fixed rapidly.
• It is not as widely used as IE and therefore there are not that many harmful applications/viruses/spyware/hardware for it.
• Easy to add plug-ins and personalize.
• Some web page developers have not made sure their pages work in all browsers so some things may not be displayed properly